ASHLAND — The concert season opens on Saturday, October 7, with “Praise and Celebration.”

Grammy^® Award winning Music Director and Conductor Michael Repper will conduct Symphony No.2 “Lipsky” by Stefan Swanson and Symphony No.1, op.68, C minor by Johannes Brahms. Join us at the Robert M. & Janet L. Archer Auditorium for a pre-concert talk at 6:50 p.m. and performance at 7:30 with a reception to follow.

Symphony No.2 “Lipsky” was commissioned by the Ashland Symphony Orchestra in honor of Arie Lipsky, ASO Music Director Laureate, 1996-2019. This commission was made possible with grants from The Friends of the Ashland Symphony Orchestra and The Ashland County Community Foundation. Says Swanson, composer and former adjunct faculty at Ashland University, “When moving to the small town of Ashland, Ohio, I never imagined having an orchestra in my backyard. I will be forever thankful to [The Ashland Symphony Orchestra and Martha Buckner, Executive Director] for allowing me a remarkable opportunity to honor such an exceptional man through the outstanding ensemble he had such a profound impact on.”

“Our hope was to be able to present this symphony in honor of Maestro Lipsky’s 25^th year with the ASO. Though he resigned just prior to that anniversary year, we moved forward with the commission as a way to honor his legacy and the gift of music that he shared with the Ashland community for so many years. The pandemic and conductor search further delayed the premiere of the piece. We are delighted that both Maestro Lipsky and Stefan Swanson will be attending this world premiere performance. Titling the concert “Praise and Celebration” is most fitting for this momentous occasion!”, Martha Buckner, Executive Director.

The ASO thanks concert underwriter Ann K. Guthrie, venue sponsor Germain Honda of College Hills, and music sponsors Bella’s 220 and Lighthouse Wealth Management. 

Dates for the remainder of the season are Saturday, October 28, “Rejoice!” featuring soprano Symone Harcum performing Mozart’s Exsultate jubilate; the annual Family Holiday Pops concert on Sunday, November 26; “La Musica D’Italia” on Saturday, January 20, 2024, in collaboration with Northeast Ohio sensation Alla Boara; “Stargazing” on Saturday, March 9 with cello prodigy Aurelia Faidley-Solars; and concluding with “A Grande Finale” on Saturday, April 13 with pianist Kara Huber. All concerts start at 7:30 p.m. at the Robert M. & Janet L. Archer Auditorium at Ashland High School, 1440 King Road.

Season subscriptions are now on sale for $132 adult and $117 senior age 65 and up. Individual tickets are $26 adult and $23 seniors. Child and student tickets are free with the purchase of an adult or senior ticket, though they may be purchased for $5 each to benefit the Symphony. Free tickets and discounts available for persons receiving EBT, SNAP, WIC, and Medicaid are available by phone or at the door. 

For more information please call 419-289-5115 or visit www.ashlandsymphony.org.

The ASO is a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation and is proudly sponsored by Robert M. and Janet L. Archer, Samaritan Hospital Foundation, The Ohio Arts Council, and many local businesses and individuals.